Bonnet won't close - broken cable

Mervyn Skidmore

This evening was checking oil levels and tried to close the bonnet and it won't shut. Tried the mechanism and it's attached to the inside lever but nothing is happening on the latch. Looking at YouTube it seems like the cable is broken at the latch end.

Now, the problem is it's Easter Sunday tomorrow and I have to drive 70 miles back home. I doubt I'll be able to get it looked at tomorrow morning!

Firstly, is it safe to drive as is, the secondary safety latch is still working but the bonnet is popped up.

Secondly, is it legal? I don't want to get into any bother.

Absolute pain in the behind and would have to happen on a long weekend when I'm away from home.

elperello

https://www.handyhardware.ie/BlueSpot-Tools-Cam-Buckle-Tie-Down-Straps-Twin-Pack-25m-45404_p_60467.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvNzliKSb_gIVF-DtC

Could you get something like this to secure it ?

Dirty Nails

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058291635/bonnet-wont-close-broken-cable

Broken cable wouldn't stop the bonnet shutting,only prevent you from opening it. Lock is seized or the cable is sticking. If you can see where the cable goes in to the lock, wiggle the cable & it might release. Not advisable to drive relying on the wind catch,if it opens you'll need a bonnet,windscreen & a roof repair. Try your breakdown cover, them lads don't get special treatment for Sundays-never mind Easter. And give him a decent tip.....

wotzgoingon

Don't drive unless you tie it down. A bonnet went up on me one time many years ago. Frightened the life out of me with the bang and not being able to see anything. Takes a few seconds to realise what happened. As someone said above it wrecks the windscreen, bonnet and roof of the car.

Mervyn Skidmore

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120456339#Comment_120456339

I think you're spot on. Tied the bonnet with rope this morning for the drive and just took it very handy.

Got home and went at it with WD40 and worked the latch back and forth with a screwdriver shaft and then it released. Greased it and it seems to be working now. Car is almost 20 years old now and bit by bit things are failing.

Thanks for the comment though as it might have saved me a trip to the mechanic, things are tight as it is!

elperello

Well done.

Glad it worked out.

Dirty Nails

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120460275#Comment_120460275

Common enough with grit & salt off the road blowing back in to them. No fix like a cheap fix.